The canonical version and where to order it.
One meat, three vegetables, bread and sweet tea: the Tennessee plate-lunch format Chattanooga has kept alive since 1937 in cafeteria lines and counter rooms far from the tourist riverfront.
The meat-and-three is Tennessee's great contribution to the American lunch, born in workers' cafes where a rotating meat came with a chalkboard of vegetables cooked long and seasoned with pork. Chattanooga's version survived the drive-in era; Wally's on McCallie Avenue opened in 1937 and converted from burgers to homecooked meats and vegetables in the 1970s. The vegetables are the point, and mac and cheese counts as one, which is the correct position.
1 editor pick for Meat-and-three plate in Chattanooga, ranked by editorial score. All Chattanooga signature dishes · Meat-and-three plate across every city.
Also in: Nashville.
Wally's Restaurant has served Chattanooga meat-and-three plates on McCallie Avenue since 1937, from drive-in burgers to today's homecooked vegetables.
OrderMeat-and-three with whatever vegetables came in that morning.
TipBreakfast from 06:00 on weekdays; Saturday closes at noon and Sunday is dark. Cash-friendly, counter-fast service.
Meat-and-three plate makes more sense with someone from Chattanooga explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Discover the flavors of Chattanooga on a guided food tour of the downtown district. Savor the flavors of the city as you enjoy a variety of dishes at up to four curate...
Guided tour · 3 hours
Discover the flavors of Chattanooga on a food-focused walking tour. Visit four different restaurants and meet the proprietors behind them, all while tasting tapas-size...
1 hour
Learn how to make a cocktail from a professional bartender in Chattanooga. Enjoy a fun and interactive experience with a small group.
